Direct payments for carers

What can direct payments be used for

They can be used for:

  • engaging in recreational activities and making use of necessary facilities or services in the community
  • developing and/or maintaining family or other significant personal relationships
  • accessing and engaging in work, training, education or volunteering

Some examples of how carers have used direct payments include:

  • to have some leisure time or engage in a hobby.
  • to attend a gym, exercise classes or swimming pool
  • to access a college course
  • to learn to drive

They are designed to be used imaginatively and flexibly but you will be accountable for the money spent, so you will have to ensure you only use it to meet your assessed needs.